Page 37 of Delayed
“Get out of here.” She rubbed her noseagainst his.
“You think I’m joking, but I’ve never beensurer about anything, Sunshine.”
“Rex Bancroft.” Her admonishment was lessthan half-hearted because the idea of being a wife didn’t sound asscary as it once had. And being his wife would be the only wifeshe’d want to be.
“A marriage proposal is a little fast.” Shebeamed. “Give me a few months.”
“Is a few just three?” He chuckled.
She shrugged. “Check back in three and we’llsee. But you do have yourself a roommate.”
He lifted her from the chair and into hisarms, twirling her around.
****
Anna scanned her keycard and walked throughthe front doors of Sunshine. She waved at Phil behind thecounter.
“Good morning, Ms. Montgomery.” Hebeamed.
She’d miss his morning greetings. “Morning,Phil.”
Normally she’d take the escalator to hersecond-floor office, but she had energy to burn so she climbed thestairs, smiling and greeting several co-workers on her way.
She walked into her office only to findJacob invading her space.
“I see you decided to return to work.” Hisarrogance grated on her nerves almost as much as him sitting behindher desk. “Not getting promotion had to be hard, but you do stillneed to show up for work.” He added a little laugh as if she shouldtake his comments as a joke but his tone was anything butfunny.
“Why are you sitting at my desk?”
“John and I wanted to chat with you about anew project we thought would be a good fit for you.” He ran a handover his short dark hair, but he didn’t stand.
She glanced around. “I don’t see John.”
“He’s on his way. You know punctuality isn’this strong suit.”
“From my perspective, it has never reallybeen yours either, Jacob.” Perhaps she should have let it slide andnot commented on his own promptness issues.
“Anna, in another week or so, I’m going tobe your boss and those comments could impact your annual review.”He gave her a saccharine smile and raised an eyebrow.
“Hey, Anna,” John waltzed into the room inkhaki pants and a dark blue polo with the Sunshine Insurance logo.He pulled to a stop when he noticed Jacob sitting at her desk.“Jacob, why are you sitting there?”
Jacob shrugged.
“Get up!” John snapped his fingers. Thoughusually more subtle in his demeanor and management style, John’sattitude this morning was a force to reckon with.
Jacob stood and meandered around her deskwith a pout on his face. He’d never been one to appreciate beingmanaged.
Anna slipped behind her desk and set herpurse on top. “Jacob was just telling me there’s a project you’dlike me on.”
John nodded. He opened his mouth, but Annacut him off.
“I appreciate you thinking of me.” She eyedher boss. “But I don’t think taking on a project at this time wouldbe wise because I only have two weeks left here at Sunshine.” Shepulled the envelope out of her purse and handed it to John.
John opened the envelope and read herresignation letter. He looked up at her and smiled. “I’m sorry tosee you go, Anna. You’re a heck of a teammate. But congratulationson your new job. I’ve heard many positive things about Wesley.”
“You’re quitting?” Jacob barked and snatchedthe letter from John’s fingertips.
“I’m resigning.” Anna replied.
